Accra, July 13, GNA - The Minister of the Interior has by executive instrument renewed the curfews imposed in the Bawku Municipality and Gushegu Township and their immediate environs for another one week with effect from Monday.

The renewal was on the advice of the Upper East and Northern Regional Security Councils, according to a statement signed by the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka. The statement said the curfew hours for the Bawku Municipality and the immediate environs remained unchanged and would be from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am the following day.

The curfew for the Gushegu township also remains unchanged from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am each day.

The statement said the government was assuring the people of the affected communities that every effort was being made to bring a lasting peace to the areas.

"Government further wishes to implore the good people of the affected areas to use dialogue as well as the existing structures for the non-violent resolution of conflicts to address issues that may arise," it said.

The government also expressed its appreciation to the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders and all peace-loving people of the areas for sustaining the peace.

Meanwhile, the government has reiterated that there is a ban on all persons in the Bawku Municipal area, Zabzugu, Binduri, Pusiga, Zoasi and Gushegu townwships and their environs from carrying arms, ammunitions or any offensive weapon, and any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.